Page 159 - THE SCARLET LETTER

The Scarlet Letter

professional associates, the exigenties of this new country
had transformed Governor Bellingham into a soldier, as
well as a statesman and ruler.
Little Pearl, who was as greatly pleased with the

gleaming armour as she had been with the glittering
frontispiece of the house, spent some time looking into
the polished mirror of the breastplate.
‘Mother,’ cried she, ‘I see you here. Look! look!’
Hester looked by way of humouring the child; and she
saw that, owing to the peculiar effect of this convex
mirror, the scarlet letter was represented in exaggerated
and gigantic proportions, so as to be greatly the most
prominent feature of her appearance. In truth, she seemed
absolutely hidden behind it. Pearl pointed upwards also, at
a similar picture in the head-piece; smiling at her mother,
with the elfish intelligence that was so familiar an
expression on her small physiognomy. That look of
naughty merriment was likewise reflected in the mirror,
with so much breadth and intensity of effect, that it made
Hester Prynne feel as if it could not be the image of her
own child, but of an imp who was seeking to mould itself
into Pearl’s shape.
‘Come along, Pearl,’ said she, drawing her away,
‘Come and look into this fair garden. It may be we shall

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